Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has named the 23-man squad for the 2023 AFCON qualifier against Morocco.
South Africa host the 2022 FIFA World Cup semi-finalists on Saturday, 17 June at the FNB Stadium in what will be the last match for the home side in the qualifiers.
Broos’ men have already booked the ticket to Ivory Coast after they defeated Liberia 2-1 on the road in March.
HUGO BROOS NAMES FINAL BAFANA BAFANA SQUAD FOR MOROCCO CLASH
The Belgian tactician initially announced a 34-man preliminary squad last month, which he has trimmed down to 23 players.
He has cut off 11 names with less than two weeks left before the tie against Atlas Lions.
The notable names that missed out on the final squad include Khuliso Mudau [Mamelodi Sundowns], Iqraam Rayners [Stellenbosch FC], Miguel Timm [Orlando Pirates] and Kobamelo Kodisang [Moreirense].
Meanwhile, the surprise inclusion was Thapelo Maseko of SuperSport United who’ll be a part of the senior team for the first time. Bathusi Aubaas of TS Galaxy is another name that surprisingly emerged after he impressed Broos with his latest displays.
Further, Njabulo Blom makes a return to the squad after he missed the last two clashes against Liberia. His exclusion was reportedly due to an undisclosed illness.
FINAL BAFANA BAFANA SQUAD FOR MOROCCO CLASH
Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams [Mamelodi Sundowns], Veli Mothwa [AmaZulu], Ricardo Goss [SuperSport United]
Defenders: Sydney Mobbie [Sekhukhune United], Siyanda Xulu [Turan Tovuz], Innocent Maela and Nkosinathi Sibisi [Orlando Pirates], Thapelo Morena, Aubrey Modiba, Grant Kekana and Mothobi Mvala [All Mamelodi Sundowns]
Midfielders: Luke Le Roux [Varbergs BoIS], Njabulo Blom [Saint Louis], Teboho Mokoena [Mamelodi Sundowns], Bathusi Aubaas [TS Galaxy]
Forwards: Monnapule Saleng [Orlando Pirates], Themba Zwane and Cassius Mailula [Both Mamelodi Sundowns], Mihlali Mayambela [Aris Limassol], Bongokuhle Hlongwane [Minnesota United FC], Percy Tau [Al Ahly SC], Zakhele Lepasa and Thapelo Maseko [SuperSport United]
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